Olson & Jones Construction, Inc. | www.olsonandjones.com
What was your career path into remodeling and building homes?
Growing up in Portland, my goal was always to be a contractor. Summer jobs were a great education, and all served a purpose - working at a lumber yard, building decks, fences, sheds, and framing houses. But my favorite part was the process of seeing the plans come together. I majored in Building Construction at Benson High School and secured my contractor’s license at age 19.
What does your company specialize in?
Olson & Jones Construction is now 44 years old, and we only partner with top designers, architects, and trade subs. Our relationships are deep in the community and we love working together – on older and historic homes in all the neighborhoods, plus high rises, penthouses, bungalows, traditional, and mid-century modern. Geographically, most of our homes are in Portland metro, but our subs will go wherever we go, including Hood River, Bend, North Oregon Coast and wine country.
What is at the core of what Olson & Jones Construction excels at?
Problem-solving, at every turn. The work demands constant decisions, the right way to sequence materials, manage transitions, and build for durability. Thoughtful execution is everything: the right people and the right materials, ready at precisely the right time. Holding that standard of excellence is something we take seriously.
Your company prioritizes the quality of the product and the client’s experience. What does this look like for your team?
Intentionality, without compromise. The mission here is to pursue quality construction and exceptional customer service, and the word “pursue” matters. It’s not a destination; it’s a standard we maintain every single day. The client’s experience flows from that same commitment. Quality is born from an unrelenting attention to detail. What do our clients need? What will they need before they know it themselves? How can we make sure they feel genuinely cared for at every stage?
What is the driving force behind your business?
A great reputation is a great responsibility, and like most things worth having, a constant pursuit. When people think of Olson & Jones, we want three things to come to mind: honesty, caring, and community. If we’ve done our job, those words say everything.
What are some major takeaways from being in business for over 44 years?
The ability to build a good team is one of the most valuable things in business and I admire anyone who can master it. That humility will take you further than hubris every time. Gratitude is not just a virtue, but a practice. I’m thankful for what this work has given me, and I’m still learning. I hope I always am.
You have a reputation for being a “helper,” share what this means to you.
At my core I want to be able to help people. I enjoy using my knowledge, talent, and experience to assist people where I can. It is not just for clients, it is family, friends, and people in need and want.
How do you keep your energy and passion for your craft strong?
It is motivating to create happy clients, trade partners that prefer to work with us, and employees that are proud to be on the team. We’re contributing to this city and to the people in it, and that keeps the work meaningful, day after day.
Where do you go to unwind?
I’m an early riser by nature, so mornings are mine. I run, walk, or exercise nearly every day. There’s something about that first light, I never tire of the way it pushes back the darkness as though a great dome is slowly opening over the world. In the winter, I try to get up on the mountain at least once a week. In the summer, the trails call. We live somewhere truly spectacular, and I never take that for granted.
